The Landscape Scroll of the Millennium Porcelain Capital


Location
Yaoli Ancient Town is located in Fuliang County, Jingdezhen City, Jiangxi Province, about 50 kilometers (1.5-hour drive) from downtown Jingdezhen. Established during the Western Han Dynasty, this ancient town is renowned as the "Source of Porcelain, Home of Tea, and Sea of Forests," and is the birthplace of Jingdezhen ceramics.

Must-Visit Attractions

1. Ancient Town Core Area
- Ming-Qing Commercial Street: Well-preserved Huizhou-style architecture
- Cheng Clan Ancestral Hall: A classic example of Jiangxi-style ancestral halls
- Ancient Dock: A key hub for porcelain transportation in the past

2. Natural Scenery
- Wanghu Ecological Area: Pristine forests and waterfalls
- Meiling Gorge: A summer retreat
- Nanshan Waterfall: A spectacular 60-meter cascade

3. Cultural Sites
- Ancient Kiln Ruins: Remains of a Song Dynasty dragon kiln
- Porcelain Workshops: Experience traditional porcelain-making
- Red Army Reorganization Memorial Hall: A red tourism site

Unique Experiences

1. Ceramic DIY
- Pottery Wheel Throwing: ¥50/hour (includes guidance)
- Blue-and-White Painting: ¥80/piece (can be fired and mailed)
- Ancient Porcelain-Making Demonstration: Free workshop visits

2. Tea Culture Experience
- Fuliang Tea Picking: Participate in tea harvesting in spring
- Tea Ceremony Performances: Regularly held in town teahouses
- Local Specialty: Yaoli Cliff Jade Tea

3. Folk Activities
- Traditional Rituals: Held during major festivals
- Water Wedding: Seasonal performance
- Mochi Pounding: Hands-on experience

Food Recommendations

1. Local Dishes
- Alkaline Water Rice Cake: Yaoli specialty, ¥15/serving
- Bitter Tallow Tofu: Made from wild nuts, ¥20/serving
- River Fish: Caught locally, ¥30/serving

2. Snacks
- Fried Dough Wrapped in Mochi: ¥5/each
- Qingming Cake: Seasonal snack, ¥3/each
- Porcelain Clay-Baked Chicken: Wrapped in clay and roasted, ¥60/whole

3. Drinks
- Fuliang Tea: ¥10–20/cup
- Bayberry Wine: Homemade fruit wine, ¥15/small pot

Budget Accommodations

1. In the Ancient Town
- Old House Inn: ¥80–120/standard room
- Youth Hostel: ¥40–60/bed

2. Near the Scenic Area
- Farm Stays: ¥60–100/room (includes breakfast)
- Boutique Guesthouses: ¥100–150/unique room

3. Near Wanghu
- Forest Cabins: ¥150–200/room
- Campsite: ¥50/tent spot

Practical Info

1. Tickets
- Combo Ticket: ¥80 (covers main attractions)
- Single-Attraction Tickets: ¥30–50
- Free Night Entry (after 5:30 PM)

2. Best Seasons
- March–May: Tea-picking season, pleasant weather
- September–November: Clear autumn skies, ideal for photography
- Avoid July–August rainy season

3. Transportation
- From Jingdezhen: Tourist shuttle bus (¥15)
- Self-Drive: Exit at Yaoli on Hangzhou-Ruili Expressway
- Best explored on foot within the town

4. Budget
- Meals: ¥30–50/person
- Experiences: ¥50–100/activity
- Souvenirs: ¥20–200

Itinerary Suggestions

1-Day Trip:
- Morning: Town tour + ceramic experience
- Afternoon: Hike in Wanghu Ecological Area
- Evening: Free night stroll

2-Day Trip:
- Day 1: In-depth town exploration + porcelain-making
- Day 2: Meiling Gorge + Nanshan Waterfall

3-Day Deep Dive:
- Add tea culture and nearby ancient village visits

Tips
1. Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone paths.
2. Bring mosquito repellent in summer.
3. Verify authenticity when buying ceramics.
4. Respect local customs—keep quiet in ancestral halls.

Yaoli Ancient Town perfectly blends natural beauty with cultural heritage. Slow down and savor the charm of this millennium-old porcelain capital. Whether you seek traditional crafts, photography inspiration, or simple tranquility, Yaoli promises unforgettable memories. Bring your camera and a relaxed mindset for a timeless cultural journey!

Post by ALEXA WELLS | Jul 11, 2025

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